Irredeemable is one of the very entertaining “Bad Superman” books where when you go “Look, up in the sky…” that will probably be the last thing that you say. The other “Bad Superman” books include “The Mighty”, is a major plot thread of “Invincible” and arguably an entire trilogy of Warren Ellis books that includes “Black Summer”, “No Hero” and “Supergods”. All fantastic horrific reads by the way.

So, the premise of this book is that the “Plutonian” (nudge nudge wink wink), a hero with superman like powers, has a mental break of sorts and turns into a mass murderer who destroys entire countries (Sorry Singapore. Your UN rep should have been more respectful…) and cities really on what looks to be whim and/or fancy. He also murders, in earlier issues, most of what makes up this world’s Justice League. He literally turns the “Hornet” (he’s green and yes more nudge nudge wink wink) and his wife into dust before our eyes in issue one, although its not certain that he kills the daughter. Always suspect off screen deaths. Plus the daughter is now primed for Bruce Wayne archetypal revenge.

The “Plutonian” had actually been away for quite awhile, or 10 issues comic book nerd time. The Earth was actually trying to rebuild and start over. Of course, he escaped his prison planet or it wouldn’t be much of a show. Not only is he back, but he’s brought three ex con super powered friends fiends with him. He announces his return by destroying a number of cities (Sorry Montreal and St. Louis and Indianapolis) just by tattooing his insignia on the Earth itself. Here’s a scene:

Without giving too much away, let’s just say the newly reformed Paradigm doesn’t stand much of a chance against him. The Paradigm is also missing its brain, or “Qubit”, the one guy who might figure out a way to solve this problem.

I have no idea what comes next. The aliens could capture the Plutonian again but it looks like their transporter capabilities have been deactivated. Qubit has a god killing bullet but who knows how long that world’s smartest man will be off world. I do know that future issues will be entertaining, but not in a feel good kind of way. You’ll enjoy Irredeemable more in a slow motion car wrecks involving small children kind of way. My one complaint is that I wish that there was more story and plot development per issue. You can finish one of these up in about five minutes. Overall, I give this issue and the entire series 4 out of 5 stars. Its well worth trying to get all 28 issues if you can find them or afford them. Bottom line: when you’re young you might want there to be a Superman in your world. When you get older you can see a problem or two.

Related: The artist Peter Krause is leaving the book in August. His art was actually pretty good, reminded me of a much darker and morbidly depressed Curt Swan, but effective. He also met his deadlines. Will be interesting to see what this new father and son team Eduardo and Diego Barreto can do.